Notice God’s emphasis on rejoicing at the Feast of Tabernacles in Deuteronomy 16:14: “And you shall rejoice in your feast, you and your son and your daughter, your male servant and your female servant and the Levite, the stranger and the fatherless and the widow, who are within your gates” (emphasis added).

“Rejoice” means to brighten up and to be gleeful. It implies that we should cheer up, be glad and be joyful.

God has given you and your entire family the upcoming gift of the Feast of Tabernacles.  All the festivals of God are for the entire family: you, your brothers and sisters and your mother and father. 

Why do you think God tells us to rejoice at His Feast of Tabernacles? You guessed it—because God has an incredible future for you, for all your family and all of humanity. The Feast of Tabernacles pictures the coming Kingdom of God, with Jesus Christ ruling on the earth as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. It will be a time of joy and abundance, with no war, only peace and love abounding for all of humanity being called to God’s way of life. Satan will no longer be the god of planet earth. Instead, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, will rule from Jerusalem in love and perfection. He will serve humanity and care for their needs.

So rejoice this coming Feast of Tabernacles and Eighth Day (also known as the Last Great Day) and give of yourself during this joyous time! Think of how you can serve others during the Feast—help your family and help out at your particular festival location. Can you sing in the teen choir? Volunteer to help at the senior’s luncheon. And be sure to attend the teen activities and to make new friends. 

Yes, rejoice! Please have a spiritually positive festival season and enjoy our pre-Feast issue of Compass Check. As always, feel free to e-mail me at compasscheck@ucg.org with comments and any suggestions.